Report: Jets "toying" with using Geno to change pace.

Report: Jets “toying” with using Geno Smith to change pace
Posted by Josh Alper on July 15, 2013,

When the Jets traded for Tim Tebow last year, many speculated that they would use him as a change-of-pace quarterback with his own package of offensive plays that the team would use to expand their options when they had the ball.

Tebow only played sparingly on offense in 2012 and the Jets were roundly ridiculed for the way they deployed him. According to a report from Rich Cimini of ESPNNewYork.com, however, the team hasn’t totally given up the idea of having a backup quarterback with his own portfolio even though last year’s offensive coordinator Tony Sparano is now coaching the offensive line in Oakland.

Per Cimini, Jets coaches are “toying” with the idea of using rookie Geno Smith as a change-of-pace quarterback if he doesn’t win the starting job with a package of plays centered on the read-option. The idea is to make use of Smith’s speed while also giving him game experience he wouldn’t get otherwise, although Cimini points out one potential stumbling block in Smith’s limited history of success on designed runs while in college.

While the Jets offense can surely use any wrinkle that makes it more successful, the notion of shuttling quarterbacks in and out of the game only underlines how badly the Jets need to find a quarterback that they aren’t willing to take off the field for chunks of the game. The Jets presumably selected Smith in the second round of the draft because they felt he had the potential to be that kind of player and they’ll likely be best served by keeping him focused on attaining that goal as quickly as possible rather than returning to a well that bore no water last season.

When you have a QB that has performed as bad as Sanchez has the last two years...

How could it hurt to let Smith take some snaps?

I was one of the sanchez supporters for years. I'm not done supporting him as a Jets player because I support all Jets players. However, I'm done thinking he will be good "this year" unless he shows me otherwise.

That being said, if he starts, I will cheer for him to do well. I really hope we put the best player in this year.

Keep in mind Kaepernick was a change-of-pace guy for the Niners before he got the nod to start. It has worked. The only question is if the Jets can do it.

Of course, the parallel would be Sanchez getting a concussion, but we won't go there.

It isnt a bad way to get a young QB some experience. My only issue would be that Geno is not that type of QB, or at least he hasnt been up to this point. At least Kaepernick ran the read option in college and was comfortable with it.